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OCR Page 1 of 140Text in BOLD is taken from previously released language, such as letters or speeches.
1.
In 1992, you said to gay people "I have a vision and you are part of it." What is that
vision in 1996 and how do gays and lesbians figure into it?
I do have a clear vision, and all Americans figure into it. As President, I have sought to
promote inclusion and heighten public awareness in order to send a powerful message of
equality and acceptance to people everywhere. Increased opportunity makes citizens
more productive, building stronger communities and a stronger nation. I believe that
we must continue to help people rise as far as their talents and determination can take
them -- regardless of their sexual orientation in order to make the most out of our
great diversity. (letter).
2.
You have been praised by gays and lesbians as the most "pro-gay" president in
history. Yet there is also a profound sense of disappointment in the gay community because
the expectations you set in 1992 were so high. What do you say to those gay voters who
invested so much emotionally to your candidacy but who have felt let down?
We all had high expectations, and we've truly accomplished a lot during my Administration.
We've also learned a lot about what we can do and how to get it done. Although some of
my early efforts may not have been as effective as I had hoped, my Administration has
taken more steps than any previous in welcoming the gay and lesbian communities to
the table. (CG) I'm proud of my record, but it's a record to grow on, not to sit on.
I remain dedicated to ending discrimination and to protecting the civil rights of every
citizen in our society. I am proud that my Administration has more openly gay and
lesbian individuals serving in appointed positions than in any previous Administration,
and their impact, both in expertise and in efforts to advocate for the concerns of gay
men and lesbians, is significant. We have increased AIDS funding, research, and
educational outreach. I am the first President ever to endorse a gay and lesbian civil
rights bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We have also opened the door for
qualified gays and lesbians to receive top security clearances. I pledge to you that I will
continue striving for greater education and compassion, working not simply to tolerate
our differences, but to celebrate them. (POTUS message)
3.
What is your own personal comfort level with homosexuality? Is it one of tolerance
or acceptance or something else?
I believe all Americans, gay or straight, should be judged on their merits, not on their
orientation. I strive to do this in my personal life. It was one of the most fundamental
lessons that my mother taught me from a very early age to makes decisions about people
based on who they are not what they are.
In Arkansas, I worked relentlessly to empower people who historically have been
discriminated against based on race, class, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. I